‘I don’t think I can dance another step,’ she declared, sitting next to Alice and Helen, and wiggling her toes with a sigh of relief.
‘Is this the same girl who is adamant she doesn’t want a London season?’
‘Oh, I don’t,’ Beth declared. ‘The sole purpose of a season is to search for a husband, and I would hate that, but here no one knows us, so we can relax and just enjoy ourselves. It is really quite agreeable – and wonderful to see Helen dancing and talking so happily.’ She gave her friend a broad smile.
Alice laughed quietly at her response. ‘You don’t know who you have danced with – and clearly do not care.’
‘Exactly. I am free to be myself, without anyone trying to assess my suitability as a wife.’ Beth gave a delicate shudder. ‘I can’t think of anything more distasteful.’
‘You will change your mind about marriage when you have met the right man.’ Alice patted her hand. ‘And I think that will not be long, for you are quite a beauty.’
‘Have you spoken with them?’ she asked from behind her fan, changing the subject. She did not enjoy talking about herself.
‘I have danced with them ... and so have you.’
Beth sat upright and dropped her fan in shock. ‘I would have known. They both have distinctive eyes and those they cannot disguise.’
‘You think not?’
‘Of course ...’ She picked up her fan and started to cool herself with it, deep in thought. There was one partner who had made her feel most ill at ease; the closeness of his body and the way he held her, but the eyes ...
Suddenly, Alice sat up, her body straight with tension as she stared at a couple on the dance floor.
Beth followed her gaze. ‘Sir Peter’s sister appears to have snared herself a gallant partner.’
‘Be careful, my boy,’ Alice murmured under her breath.
The words were almost inaudible in the revelry of the ballroom, but Beth just heard them and at that moment realized who the man was. He was the man who had made her feel uneasy in his presence. She had attributed that to the elaborate lion’s mask he was wearing, but it had not been that at all. It was James Sharland!
‘That is a very clever mask his lordship is wearing,’ she said boldly. Really, she was becoming tired of all this subterfuge!
Alice let out a pent-up breath as the dance ended and the lion stalked to the other end of the room.
‘You cannot see his eyes,’ Beth persisted, even though Alice did not seem inclined to talk. ‘Can he see where he is going?’
‘The design creates an illusion. Everyone naturally looks into the animal’s eyes, but James can see through another part of the mask.’
Beth scanned the crowd until she found what she was looking for, and her irritation turned into laughter. ‘And his brother is the ape! But where is Mr Edgemont?’
‘I don’t know what mask he is wearing, and Daniel has the ability to remain unseen if he so wants. I am surprised you did not recognize James and Alex sooner; they are the only ones with their eyes disguised.’
‘Will you tell me why that is so important?’ Beth asked.
Alice put her glass down, looking at it suspiciously. ‘I believe I have had more than enough of this excellent brew.’
‘You were saying?’ Beth prompted, hoping she would continue, for she had been about to reveal something.
Alice smiled and made an effort at a joke, pointedly changing the subject. ‘It is a shame for two such handsome faces to be hidden, is it not?’
‘I consider it most inconsiderate of them.’ Beth joined in the banter. ‘They are depriving all the ladies present the excuse to swoon at their feet.’
‘And you, Beth – would you swoon at James’s feet?’
She grimaced. ‘Only in terror.’
Then Beth was whisked on to the dance floor again and she threw herself into having fun, something that had been sadly lacking in her short life so far. The next hour sped by and it was fifteen minutes to midnight when she came back to her seat.
Alice was preoccupied and watchful, as if waiting for something, and Beth knew it must be her boys causing concern. A quick search of the crowd showed her that the lion and the ape were nowhere to be seen. And she still had no idea what mask Daniel was wearing. She started to fume again. How dare they cause this gentle lady so much worry!
‘What is the matter, Alice?’ she asked.
‘Nothing, my dear; I am fatigued, that is all.’ She smiled. ‘I am not as young as you.’
‘They will be unmasking soon; is it that prospect making you tense?’
But she was denied an answer as the lion appeared from behind a pillar, walked casually past them, touched Alice on the shoulder and continued out of the door.
‘Would you mind if we left now, Beth? I am afraid I am feeling unwell.’
‘We shall leave at once.’ Beth helped her up and was alarmed to feel her trembling. It was time his lordship had a good talking to, and she was in just the mood to confront him!
The carriage was waiting for them. Helen was already there, so they removed their masks and were just about to get in when Sir Peter appeared.
‘Are you leaving so soon, Miss Langton?’
‘It has been a most enjoyable evening, but I am afraid my aunt is indisposed.’
‘I am sorry to hear that, Lady Trenchard.’ He helped her into the carriage and made sure a rug was placed over her legs. ‘I hope you will soon recover.’
She nodded graciously but appeared too ill to speak, so he turned his attention back to Beth.
‘Lord Sharland did not attend, after all?’
Out of the corner of her eye she caught the slight shake of Alice’s head. ‘I apologize for his absence, but he was called to London on business early today.’
‘I see.’
Beth climbed into the carriage with the sure feeling he knew it was not the truth.
‘My sister would like to call on you now she is residing here again,’ he informed her.
‘She will be most welcome.’ She signalled to the driver, needing to get away from him as quickly as possible before she told any more untruths.
As the carriage rumbled out of the gates, Beth breathed a ragged sigh of relief. ‘I do declare that I am at a loss to understand why I keep telling lies for his lordship? It is not something I have been used to doing, so I hope he appreciates my dubious talent.’
‘He does, my dear.’ Alice spoke softly. ‘Why do you think Lady Pemberton wants to visit?’
‘Who is Lady Pemberton?’
‘Gresham’s sister. Didn’t you know her name?’ Alice asked.
Beth shook her head. ‘I have not had any dealings with her as she has spent most of her time in London or Bath. I knew Sir Peter had a sister, but I was never interested enough to enquire further.’
Alice closed her eyes and laid her head back, effectively closing the conversation.
Beth knew that something had happened at the ball, because the evening had obviously been an ordeal for Alice.
She set her mouth in a stubborn line. Was that man aware of the worry he was causing everyone?
Once Alice was settled in her bed, Beth stormed downstairs. There was a light on in the study, and, after a quick knock on the door, she swept in.
The three men were sitting comfortably, each with a large glass of brandy in their hands. They stood up as she entered the room.
‘Is Alice all right?’ James asked.
‘Yes, but she has had a difficult evening, wondering what the devil you were all up to!’ She glanced around the room, feeling just in the mood for taking them on. ‘And you might as well know that you were called to London this morning on unexpected business.’
The corners of his mouth twitched. ‘That is very kind of you to supply me with an alibi.’
‘Don’t think I am doing it for your sake,’ she snapped. ‘Sir Peter was showing interest in you again, and Alice was distressed enough.’
‘So you lied again.’
/>
‘Yes!’ She stepped towards him. ‘But I don’t think he believed us this time.’
‘That is a great pity.’ He leant on the edge of the desk and sipped his drink. ‘But he can’t know for sure that I was at the ball tonight.’
Beth thought he looked quite smug, and that infuriated her. ‘I don’t know why I keep telling these untruths for you, but I shall not do it again. I demand to know what is going on.’
‘Demand?’ He took hold of her arm and pulled her towards him until they were face to face. ‘Why couldn’t you have been a docile little girl who would not have questioned my presence here?’
She shook herself free. ‘Is that what you expected?’
‘I must admit that I did.’ He sighed. ‘But my father omitted to tell me about your spirited nature.’
‘Well, you must have been sorely disappointed, then! And I think you owe me an explanation.’
James eased back a step or two, but he was still close enough to tower over her. ‘It is better you don’t know anything; then you can’t let anything slip about us.’
‘And are you any closer to settling this matter, James?’ Alice came into the room.
‘We have made progress, and that is all I can say.’
Alice looked rather faint, and Beth helped her to a chair.
‘Then I shall take Alex back to Scotland where he will be safe. I should never have brought him here. We will leave first thing in the morning.’
‘He won’t go,’ James told her gently. ‘He likes it here and wishes to see this thing through to the end.’
Alice stood up, holding on to Beth for support. ‘Then I shall go alone. It would destroy me to watch you both throw your life away.’
‘It won’t come to that.’ He spoke with confidence. ‘We shall not be playing at highwaymen again, and if Gresham discovers it was us, he will not do anything about it. We are safe from the gallows, Alice, and we will succeed.’
‘And if you fail, then ...’ The last word trembled and tailed off.
James kissed her cheek with affection. ‘That has always been a possibility, and if that happens, then Alex will return to Scotland, and I will stay here and run my school. If you must go tomorrow, will you take Elizabeth and Helen with you?’
At the mention of her name, Beth’s head shot up. ‘We will not leave here!’
They both ignored her outburst.
‘James, is it important to you that they are away from here for a while?’
He nodded.
‘I am not going anywhere!’ Beth raised her voice.
James’s expression hardened. ‘Then you will take the consequences.’
‘Whatever they may be.’ Beth turned to Alice. ‘I will not leave my estate.’
‘I understand, my dear. I would do the same thing in your position.’
‘Stubborn females,’ James muttered.
‘Yes, James, we can be at times. I want your word that you will do all you can to finish this unpleasant business quickly.’
‘You have my word.’
‘Good.’ Alice started to walk to the door, then stopped and turned round. ‘Have you found what you were looking for?’
‘We have something that may be of help. The next step is up to Dan.’
‘Then you will do what you have to without delay, James.’ She walked out of the room.
Beth gaped at his lordship. ‘What in heaven’s name was that all about? What have you been looking for?’
He stood in front of her. ‘Your constant questions are a complication I can well do without.’
She watched him stride away from her, Alex right behind him, and she felt like crying.
The only other person left in the room was Daniel Edgemont, and she looked at him appealingly. ‘You say very little, Mr Edgemont, but I am sure you are playing a very important role in this matter – whatever it may be. If I ask you one question, will you answer it for me?’
‘If I can.’
‘Are you dealing with a problem caused by my godfather – or my own father?’ She wasn’t quite sure why she had included her father, but she had a growing suspicion that this was something to do with her family as well. She could see no other reason for them moving in with her. After all, if this concerned only the Sharland family, they could have resided in their own property.
He thought about it for a few seconds and then said simply, ‘As a friend of Edward, your father knew about his past, but he had no part in it.’
She nodded, relieved to have that confirmed, and she turned and walked out of the room.
Fourteen
‘Please don’t leave,’ Beth pleaded. In the short time she had known Alice, she had come to look upon her with some affection and, more than that, as someone who could be trusted. Alice was a sensible and loving person, and the thought of her not being here during this troubling time was not something Beth wanted. The problem was she was becoming too fond of her unwanted guests, and, to be honest, she was feeling all adrift.
Alice slammed the lid of her trunk down and sat on it, looking dejected. ‘I am a coward. You put me to shame, Beth. You realize something is about to happen which could prove dangerous, and yet you refuse to run.’
Beth sat beside her. ‘Whatever is to come upon us, I must stay and face it. I am responsible for this estate and all who work here. I promised my father I would see that we prospered and the workers had secure jobs. I won’t break that promise, no matter what I have to face.’
‘Oh, Beth, what am I to do? I begged James to come and settle Edward’s affairs and then return to Scotland, but he would not hear of it. This was the chance he had been waiting for to make an evil man pay for his past deeds, he told me, and an opportunity to fulfil his dream of opening his own school. Alex gave me no rest until I agreed to allow him to come with me.’
Another of Beth’s suspicions had been confirmed. He was using his guardianship of her for some purpose of his own. It was a tangled web, but a few strands were now starting to unravel. How she wished to know the whole story, but she would not ask again. It would be revealed at the right time. She must contain her impatience and remain watchful.
Beth knelt on the floor beside the distraught woman. ‘You must be brave for their sake. Whatever is going on, they need your support, especially James, for he appears to have taken a heavy burden on his shoulders.’
Alice looked at her in astonishment. ‘Does this mean that you don’t believe him to be a villain?’
‘I have yet to decide, but I have seen he has a great affection for you, and I’m sure he would not let anything untoward happen to you or Alex. Will you tell me just one thing?’ Beth asked.
‘If I can.’
‘Is James in danger of being sent to gaol?’
Alice let out a ragged sigh. ‘He is not a criminal, though he is dicing with the law, but he sees no way around it. The only comfort I have is that Daniel is here. Although some things he is involved in are dubious, I do know for certain that he is on the side of the law.’
‘Oh.’ She was startled by this piece of information. ‘Is he a lawyer?’
‘He is connected to the law, and he also does some work for the police and the government at times, and that is all I can tell you.’
Beth nodded. ‘If that is the case, then I think we must trust him to make sure this business doesn’t get out of hand. We can do nothing but wait, and I believe we would all be comforted by your presence.’
At that moment Helen showed Alex in. For once, his ready smile was not present. ‘Don’t leave, Alice.’
She straightened up. ‘Beth has persuaded me to stay. She has made me realize that my place is here – and we do have a season to prepare for.’
The smile was back, and he spun her round as if she were a girl. ‘It will be all right; you’ll see. Dan will not let anything bad happen to any of us.’
‘I know, Alex, but what about James? Will he heed Daniel’s advice?’
‘He is aware of the risks, but he has
waited a long time for this moment and is prepared for whatever happens.’ He smiled gently. ‘We cannot deny him this chance, for he will never rest easy until it is done. What that man has done must not go unpunished.’
‘But it was such a long time ago, and I had hoped that it would stay buried. However, I feared this day would eventually come. Will you be safe in that remote cottage?’
‘I am moving back into the house again.’
‘The servants’ quarters?’
‘No, I must stay close to you, Elizabeth and Helen, James says.’
‘That will be a comfort.’ Alice smiled at Beth and Helen. ‘Will it not, my dears?’
‘Indeed it will,’ Beth answered, though she knew the only way she would feel safe again would be if James left. ‘What about those animals?’ she asked, giving a delicate shudder. ‘Who will look after them?’
‘Young Charlie has taken a great interest and he is to care for them.’ Alex gave an impish grin. ‘He thinks they are beautiful and is most eager to take on the task.’
‘My goodness, he has a strange notion of beauty,’ she declared.
That broke the tension and they all started to laugh – even Helen, who was now happy to be herself once again. It was as if the mystery and hint of danger had woken her up and revealed the brave, steadfast friend Beth had always known. It was clear now that her friend had been playing the role of companion, but she had never lost her dignity and poise. After all she had been through, this could not have been easy, and it showed what a truly remarkable person she was. Beth was grateful to have Helen by her side and prayed she could show as much courage.
‘Ah, it is good to hear laughter.’ James looked in through the open door and smiled. ‘Are you staying, Alice?’
‘Yes, James. Beth has been very persuasive.’
He gave a slight bow to Beth. ‘Thank you.’
‘As I have become embroiled in this mystery, I would appreciate knowing if I am to lose everything. I believe you owe me that much explanation.’
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